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The Most Recommended Dairy Free Foods of 2017

The Most Recommended Dairy Free Foods of 2017

Not everyone can enjoy milk and cheese in his or her diet. People who are lactose intolerant should avoid foods that contain lactose, since their bodies are unable to digest it. Milk and soft cheeses are easily recognized as dairy products, but baked goods, processed cereals, margarine, and even salad dressing could contain traces of lactose. They also have to watch out for content labels with buzzwords such as “dry milk solids” or “non-fat dry milk powder.”

Why would people choose to steer clear of dairy products? Well, they have their reasons, whether it's a dietary restriction or a lifestyle preference to go dairy free or vegan.

However, substituting dairy with processed tofu and sugary snacks is probably not the best way to go. However, getting rid of dairy for good is not a difficult task if you know where to start. Dairy-free foods typically consist of ingredients made from nuts, dried fruits, and vegetables. Here are what we believe are the best dairy-free foods to try in 2017, including the product Bone Broth Protein™ from Dr. Axe. (This article was written in partnership with Dr. Axe.)

Drinks that Resemble Milk

To phase out dairy, why not replace regular milk with coconut milk? Coconuts are sweet and rich in flavor, not to mention high in fiber. If you want low-fat milk, then drink almond, hemp, or rice milk to get a similar taste. Traditional yogurt is fermented from sour milk but coconut or almond flavored yogurt works just fine.

Dairy-Free Spreads and Toppings

When it comes to breakfast, are you fond of a nice bagel with cream cheese or butter on toast? In that case, feel free to spread some peanut butter, cashew butter, or hummus on bread. You won't notice the missing of yummy taste at all. Avocado also has a creamy consistency of burgers or salads. Dairy-free toppings are a dime a dozen. If you like Mexican food, you'll get a kick out of guacamole and salsa dip. Sprinkle a generous amount of nuts over your soup rather than adding more cream. Ditch the restaurant sides loaded with cheese and butter. Try a baked potato at home by topping it with some coconut oil or tahini.

Non-Dairy Desserts and Sweets

Although you agreed to eliminate dairy from your diet, that doesn't mean you can't indulge in desserts ever again. Next time you see a recipe for ice cream, remember to cross out milk/cream and replace with bananas or coconut milk. Coat your baking pans with coconut oil. Almond milk is a bit nutty but has the similar texture to whole milk. It is a good addition to your pancake/muffin cake batter.

Snacks

Avoid eating snacks out of the bag. Opt for healthier options such as carrots and cucumbers with hummus. Plain popcorn may be bland, but a touch of coconut sugar or celtic sea salt could improve the flavor. Skip the store-bought brands as they are often excessively coated in butter or even artificial flavors. Be aware that most candy bars are full of high-fructose corn syrup which can lead to weight gain. Granola bars containing dried fruits and nuts are alternate options.

There are even quality protein supplements that are made without dairy.